MEANING
A statement specifying exactly how a concept or variable will be measured, observed, or manipulated in a study.
Use it for
Explain exactly how an abstract concept is observed or measured.Use in methods writing to show how an abstract construct becomes an observable and reproducible measure.
Words that belong together
- operational definition of a construct
- specify an operational definition
- operational definitions of variables
On the page
The study’s operational definition of “sleep quality” combined duration, interruptions, and self-reported restfulness.
Nearby words
Word forms
- Base
- operational definition
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Usage notes
It states observable procedures or criteria, not the complete theoretical meaning of a construct; identify the instrument or threshold used.
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